The JTV-89 James Tyler Variax Modeling Electric Guitar offers an innovative design and boutique playing experience courtesy of master luthier James Tyler, and the world's most advanced guitar modeling technology from the people who invented it, Line 6. Plug this guitar into any amp and hear all the models, all the tunings, and both acoustic and electric tones you've ever wanted. No more dragging around multiple acoustics and electrics to gigs or recording studios. Variax gives you an endless variety of sounds from classic acoustic and electric tones all the way to sitar and banjo, all in one instrument.

The JTV-89 is made for the shredder with a 14" fretboard radius and a James Tyler Fast n' Flat neck profile. Features include a mahogany body, and a 3-piece bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. A recessed heel makes reaching the upper frets a breeze. The JTV-89 is loaded with a pair of high-output PAF-style alnico humbuckers (wound to Tyler's specs). Controls include a 5-way blade pickup selector switch, a master volume & tones. A rotary model selector dials the 25 virtual guitars plus sitar, banjo, and resonator guitar tones. A rotary alt tuning selector lets you pick from 12 alternate tunings. The fully adjustable Tyler Custom stoptail bridge is fitted with an L.R. Baggs Radiance Hex piezo pickup system for sweet acoustic guitar tones. A Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL nut keeps the strings from gripping and sticking. Comes standard with a durable, padded gig bag with a stitched Line 6 logo and 2 pockets big enough for all your gig essentials.

Dual-core Processor Dual-core processor delivers 4 times the punch. This new chip is smaller, faster, and more powerful. It has allowed Line 6 to run fuller, clearer models of guitar bodies and pickups; let all their models have alternate tunings; improved alternate tuning purity and speed; provided alternate tuning customization; and improved modes of operation and editing. The JVT-89 sounds and responds surprisingly more like a traditional guitar.

Variax Workbench Software Variax Workbench software is a virtual custom shop. This free software, which can be downloaded from the Line 6 website, lets you create custom models on your computer and upload them to your JTV-59 via its built-in USB port. Choose from famous guitar bodies, pickups, pickup placement, tone and volume controls, and tweak away until you've designed the guitar of your dreams – without choking on sawdust!

This combination USB interface and software package for James Tyler Variax guitars allows you to see and hear the physical changes to your custom guitar in real time. Ever wonder what a single-coil pickup would sound like on a hollowbody guitar tuned an octave down? Probably not. That's because it wasn't a reality – until now.

The Alt Tune Knob Each James Tyler Variax modeling guitar has a dedicated Alt Tune knob. This knob has 12 settings, including two labeled "Model" and "Standard." Set to "Model," the Alt Tune knob lets you access the alternate tunings you created using Variax Workbench virtual guitar workbench software. These tunings are stored on your Variax's Model knob. Set to "Standard," the Alt Tune knob overrides saved tunings to set every model to standard "E-to-E" tuning. The Alt Tune knob's remaining 10 settings are the most commonly used tunings used by modern metal style guitarists.

The Virtual capo feature lets you easily transpose any song to the key that suits your vocalist. And you can adjust your tuning on the fly without having to use "Workbench" software.

Battery powered DSP A proprietary lithium-ion battery delivers at least 12 hours of continuous performance. A 4-LED battery life meter lets you know how much rocking time you have left. Rolling down the volume knob when you're not playing will automatically put the DSP to sleep and helps maximize battery life. So even with your cable still plugged in, you will not be using battery power. DSP wakes up instantly when you turn the volume back up. The JTV-89 functions as a standard electric guitar whether the battery installed or not.

Check the drop-down menu to the right to select colors and/or other options.

I had to do some adjusting on the neck and the bridge, but it is very nice now. Great feeling neck, good weight, and overall a great feeling guitar. The electronics are...Read complete review

I had to do some adjusting on the neck and the bridge, but it is very nice now. Great feeling neck, good weight, and overall a great feeling guitar. The electronics are awesome. Criticism: 2 and 4 "chime" sounds are awful. One of the 12 string settings is a little cheesy. Compliment: Most of the models sound great. The stock humbuckers sound fine to me. Once it is set up, it plays like a dream. The alternate tunings and virtual capo are an amazing feature. This technology is the future of guitars.

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Most Liked Negative Review

NOT FOR METAL!! BEWARE

If you play metal DON'T BUY THIS GUITAR! I am so surprised at the lack of attack and tonal quality this guitar has when the variax technology is engaged. It's like night and day...Read complete review

If you play metal DON'T BUY THIS GUITAR! I am so surprised at the lack of attack and tonal quality this guitar has when the variax technology is engaged. It's like night and day switching between the real pick ups and emulated ones. There is no attack on your palm muting. I even updated the firmware to 1.9 and it still sounds horrible for metal. It's a good try but not there yet. The emulated pick ups also sound like they have a built in noise gate that kills your sustain. Another issue is if you love to shred and sweep pick and tap it get's confused in the virtual tunings. There are far too many issues. This is a fun guitar if you like to record rock or softer music. I mean the acoustic simulation is amazing. But it is beyond me why they would market this to metal players when it is virtually useless for metal music. It only has 5 modern guitars in it's emulation with v1.9 and they still sound weak compared to the real pickups. If you play metal get a different guitar with real humbuckers. I am a seasoned professional touring musician too So i am trying to save some metal players the trouble of getting the guitar and sending it back. I only give this a 2 because it is specifically marketed to Metal players and it is useless for metal. This would rock if you play softer music. Go with the 59 though. I really hope line6 can fix these issues. And don't listen to anyone who says "you need the dt-50 dream rig for this guitar to sound right" Because it won't. Stay simple get a tube amp with thick drive and a set of real humbuckers.

Finially got my JV-89. Unfortunately, MF forgot to send the battery, charger, USB Hub, cables, and tool kit with the guitar. A week later I plugged it in to find out that the 5 way switch only worked in two positions. That is, the modeld sounds only worked in two of the 5 positions. Sent the guitar back. Very dissapointed.

If you play metal DON'T BUY THIS GUITAR! I am so surprised at the lack of attack and tonal quality this guitar has when the variax technology is engaged. It's like night and day switching between the real pick ups and emulated ones. There is no attack on your palm muting. I even updated the firmware to 1.9 and it still sounds horrible for metal. It's a good try but not there yet. The emulated pick ups also sound like they have a built in noise gate that kills your sustain. Another issue is if you love to shred and sweep pick and tap it get's confused in the virtual tunings. There are far too many issues. This is a fun guitar if you like to record rock or softer music. I mean the acoustic simulation is amazing. But it is beyond me why they would market this to metal players when it is virtually useless for metal music. It only has 5 modern guitars in it's emulation with v1.9 and they still sound weak compared to the real pickups. If you play metal get a different guitar with real humbuckers. I am a seasoned professional touring musician too So i am trying to save some metal players the trouble of getting the guitar and sending it back. I only give this a 2 because it is specifically marketed to Metal players and it is useless for metal. This would rock if you play softer music. Go with the 59 though. I really hope line6 can fix these issues. And don't listen to anyone who says "you need the dt-50 dream rig for this guitar to sound right" Because it won't. Stay simple get a tube amp with thick drive and a set of real humbuckers.

Great piece.Incredible machine, tracks faster than the old one. I had a 300 for years, this new onehas all the features that makes it well worth the upgrade. The shred like design with 24 frets makes it easy for any Ibanez fan to really get used to it in a hurry. My main guitar is an Ibanez J Custom, so I am enjoying the design of the JTV-89. For recording and songwriting, this piece is hard to beat. Every guitar is right at your fingertips. Love it, and highly recommend. Best Korean guitar you will probably ever play.It rocks.

Pros: This is the best instrument I have ever played. The action, intonation, and native pickups (without effects) are all perfect. The investment is definitely worth it considering you get the tone of many classics like a Telecaster, Stratocaster, Les Paul, Semi-hollow body, acoustic, 12-string, and more. Any tone you need, you've got it.

Cons: Only two; Battery insertion can be difficult at first. Tuning keys are on the wrong side of the head if you reach over with your right hand to tune the guitar.

Bottom line: If you can only have one guitar, make it this one.Just a couple technical things I didn't like.Although the JTV-89 is worth every penny (and then some), it is quite and investment for the average player.

I own an original Variax 500 and the new Variax's are a vast improvement in sound. I plugged my new JTV-89 into my existing patches on my X3 Live and I could suddenly hear the true character of the guitar emulation. For example, I could really hear the "Tele" coming through. Also, the acoustic emulations are much better; especially the 12 strings.I would recommend replacing the LR Baggs pickups with Graph Tech Ghost pickups. They have a clearer tone that you can't achieve otherwise. (Graph Tech pickups: blue is the positive wire) But you'll need to open up Variax Workbench and "turn down" the volume of each guitar because the Graph Tech's have a higher output and will "clip".(I'm actually using the electronics in a custom Tele Deluxe build. But the body and neck on this are high quality. The look just doesn't suit my musical style.)

I had to do some adjusting on the neck and the bridge, but it is very nice now. Great feeling neck, good weight, and overall a great feeling guitar. The electronics are awesome. Criticism: 2 and 4 "chime" sounds are awful. One of the 12 string settings is a little cheesy. Compliment: Most of the models sound great. The stock humbuckers sound fine to me. Once it is set up, it plays like a dream. The alternate tunings and virtual capo are an amazing feature. This technology is the future of guitars.